←
Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
49
And shall begin to strike his fellow servants, and shall eat and drink with drunkards:
11
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"If a wicked servant thinks to himself, \\"My master is taking his time in returning,\\" and starts to mistreat his fellow servants, indulging in excess with those who drink to drunkenness, it is evident that, just as a faithful servant who remains vigilant and prepared for their master's arrival provides sustenance to his fellow servants and is eventually entrusted with the entire estate, the one who, as the prophet Ezekiel declares, reassures himself by saying, \\"many days will pass\\" (Ezek. 12:22), neglects the urgency of the master's return. This individual becomes careless, indulging in feasting and lavishness. However, such a servant should not expect a kind master but rather a stern judge."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ, as is His nature, instructs the listener by offering insight into the rewards designated for the righteous as well as the stern consequences awaiting the unrighteous. If one were to claim, \\"Look at the thoughts that troubled the servant due to the uncertainty of the day,” he might say, “My master delays,” we would respond that such thoughts arise, not from the lack of knowledge about the day, but from the servant's lack of diligence. Why is it that a wise and faithful servant does not entertain the same doubts? Alas! Even if the master seems to take His time, why do you continue to remain passive in anticipation of His return? Why, then, is there a lack of urgency? This reveals to us that the Lord Himself is never slow. Such thoughts emanate not from the Lord but from the servant of darkness, leading to his condemnation. The reality of the Lord’s immediacy is affirmed by Paul, who states, “The Lord is near. He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37). Furthermore, take note of how often Christ emphasizes the hiddenness of the day, illustrating its significance in awakening the servants from their slumber. And what if some have failed to benefit from this lesson? Other beneficial means have also proven ineffective for some. Nonetheless, the Lord remains steadfast in His mission."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"...since he was unaware of the day or the hour, he would start to oppress his fellow servants, inflicting harm upon them both physically and spiritually in various forms, and would indulge in feasting and drinking with the inebriated."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"After discussing the honor bestowed upon the faithful servant, the Lord proceeds to convey the consequences awaiting the unrighteous. When an individual entrusted with a gift fails in his responsibilities and remarks, \\"My master is delayed,\\" implying that he does not face immediate judgment; if he thereby exploits God's patience as a pretext for indulgence, and if he mistreats his fellow servants—interpreted as leading them astray and troubling their consciences—then these subordinates, witnessing the misconduct of their appointed leaders, may indeed fall into temptation and suffer harm. Consequently, that servant will face rejection, losing the very gift entrusted to him, revealing his true character."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"A servant, indifferent to his master and lacking in reverence, contemplates: 'My lord is unlikely to summon me today, or anytime soon. I shall enjoy myself with my companions.' He then steps away and begins to indulge in drink. Suddenly, a messenger approaches him and says, 'Come, your master calls for you.' At that moment, his joy turns to anguish and his confidence shifts to panic and dread. Trembling, he makes his way to his master, consumed with anxiety, pondering what response he will provide to his lord, having acted on his own without regard for his master’s wishes. \\n\\nSimilarly, the Christian who does not revere God and neglects his own salvation may think: 'I am young and vigorous; my end is not upon me yet. I will partake in worldly pleasures, enjoy all that this life offers, gain honor, and ensure my reputation grows. I will secure wealth that fills my coffers. After all, everyone else is amassing riches; what else is there to do? Once I have enough, I will acquire more land and tenants. If I lack sufficient property, I will take from those who have little, from the widow and the destitute. Nobody will defend them and no one will impede me. The authorities are distant, and I can easily influence the judges, ensuring my plans succeed. Then I will construct an opulent home and adorn it with lavish decor. I will purchase an elegant carriage and a well-matched team of horses. I will cultivate a splendid garden featuring pathways and pavilions, complete with ponds for guests to wander and find enjoyment. I will provide wine and lavish meals just like others, hosting gatherings with friends. I will visit them, and they will grace my home with their presence. I will employ numerous servants, attired appropriately, to assist me and cater to my guests. I will strive to have both vocal and instrumental music for the entertainment of myself and those I invite.' \\n\\nSuch thoughts of vanity occupy the mind of the impoverished individual, and what he perceives as vanity manifests in action. Another person may think differently, aspiring for other pursuits. This reflects the reality we observe among many Christians today. It is evident that their desires do not center on salvation and eternal life, which they are called to through the Word of God and renewed in holy Baptism, but rather on fleeting ambitions. We observe this and our hearts go out to them."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He will misuse the authority granted to him by mistreating his companions, inflicting suffering, enticing and corrupting them, wasting his master's resources, and indulging in revelry with those who are intoxicated."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To harm one's peers represents actions stemming from a malicious spirit and moral corruption, as well as a lack of diligence, neglecting the truth that he will undoubtedly be held accountable for his actions before his Lord, who will certainly return, whether soon or delayed, to observe his conduct."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the exact moment of the Son of Man's arrival remains uncertain, believers are called to maintain spiritual vigilance, to watch and pray, for the timing is unknown. To instill this vital message of alertness in His disciples, the Lord shared a parable in which He depicted Himself as a master who departs from His abode, which symbolizes the Church, heading to His Father in heaven, only to return and inquire of the servants regarding the tasks entrusted to them. Like a man leaving home, He grants authority to His servants, each receiving their responsibilities, while instructing the gatekeeper to stay vigilant. This imperative for spiritual alertness stands as a universal directive for all of Christ's followers until the end of time: I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. This exhortation from the Lord is significant. Take caution, so that your hearts do not become heavy with indulgence and worldly troubles, leading to that day overtaking you unexpectedly, like a snare that ensnares all who dwell upon the earth; therefore, remain alert at all times, praying that you may escape from all that is to come and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord conveyed essential insights to ensure His followers are wise and not swept away by the tide of heedless indulgence. Just as it was in Noah’s days, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man: people will be eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away; so too shall be the coming of the Son of Man. In that time, two will be in a field: one will be taken, and the other left; two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and the other left. Previously, the Lord warned His disciples about the suddenness of His arrival for the final judgment, emphasizing not just the coming night but also the urgency of being prepared (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). Now, He reiterates His warning while urging His faithful followers to be ceaselessly watchful for the last day: ‘Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.’ To illustrate the critical need for vigilance and the dire repercussions of neglecting the most crucial task of the soul's salvation, the Lord alluded to His previous statements regarding the servants awaiting their master’s return (Luke 12:39-46)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The speeches of Jesus Christ, urging His disciples to remain vigilant in light of the uncertainty surrounding the return of the Son of Man, have left significant impressions on every Jew. Luke provides a concise direct admonition on this, along with a summary of Christ's life and mission, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper. Mark shares the parable of the servants and the gatekeeper awaiting their master, while Matthew recounts four parables: 1) the parable of the homeowner threatened by a thief, 2) the parable of the faithful and unfaithful steward, 3) the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, and 4) the parable of the talents, concluding with a depiction of the final judgment. In the parable shared by Mark, the Lord likens Himself to a master who entrusted his household to his servants before departing, assigning each one a specific task and instructing the gatekeeper to remain vigilant. It is essential for each servant to be diligent and for the gatekeeper to stay alert until the master returns. Because the timing of the master's arrival is uncertain, they must be prepared at all times to present themselves faithfully before the owner. Likewise, after establishing His church on earth, the Lord ascended into heaven, visibly leaving His followers, yet promising to return at a time determined by God. Each believer holds a unique role within the body of Christ, with distinct purposes and responsibilities that they are called to fulfill in their lives. Given the unpredictability of Christ’s second coming, which will usher in the final judgment where all will answer to God for their lives and actions—much like the inevitable moment of one’s death—believers are called to remain perpetually alert and prepared to welcome the returning Lord, the judge of both the living and the dead."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord emphasized this point and sought to impress upon the disciples the importance of vigilance, diligence, and steadfastness required of them in such times. \\"Watch therefore: for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.\\" You are in charge of the household in My absence, as the master of the house remains attentive, ever fearful that a thief may enter and disrupt his dwelling. Rather, consider your condition after My departure, where you are like the servants entrusted with the master's property during his absence. What will happen to the servant who is found squandering his master's resources, and how fortunate is the faithful steward who, upon the master’s return, encounters no grievances against him, with everyone content in his service."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Everyone is to behave like a homeowner who notices a thief approaching at an unpredictable time. He wouldn’t allow himself to rest for fear of having his home invaded. Likewise, we must remain vigilant, for it is on a day that we least expect the Son of Man to arrive. Our anticipation of His return can be likened to that of servants awaiting their master. Picture a master who has set off on a journey, entrusting his servants with specific duties. Blessed is the servant who his master finds faithfully carrying out his responsibilities upon returning. Truly, he will be made overseer of all that belongs to him. On the other hand, the unworthy servant who, driven by his own wickedness, thinks to himself, \\"My master is delayed, perhaps he will never return,\\" misuses his authority, mistreats his fellow servants, squanders his master's resources, and indulges with the drunken. What will happen to this servant when, on an unexpected day, his master arrives? He will face intense punishment and be cast into darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Therefore, remain watchful and pray at all times, for you cannot know when the master of the house will return—be it evening, midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or dawn—so that He does not come suddenly and find you unprepared. What I say to you, I say to all my disciples: stay alert! After a brief silence, the God-Man spoke once more, aiming to engrave these vital truths deeply into the hearts of His followers."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
